How to Use the Images

Table of
Contents

Photo 4: Mary McLeod Bethune in the Council House parlor, 1945

Photo 5: Council House parlor today.

In the living room or parlor, Bethune and NCNW members welcomed many distinguished guests. At Bethune's request, Abe Lichtman, a theater owner, used his own decorator (and his personal funds) to furnish and decorate the room. Using historic photographs and surviving furniture, the National Park Service has recreated the look of the Council House during the period Bethune lived in the house.

1. Find the parlor on Drawing 1. Which area of the room is shown in Photos 4 and 5? On what did you base your answer?

2. What purposes did this room serve? Why would it have been important to the members of NCNW to have this room richly furnished and decorated?

3. How does this room demonstrate Bethune's resourcefulness?

4. Compare the two photos. Why would the 1945 photo have been valuable during the restoration?

* The small images on this screen will print poorly. You can obtain a larger version of Photo 4 and Photo 5, but be aware that the files will take as much as 60 seconds to load with a 28.8K modem.